Spīn’ster, n.

n. [From spin and the termination ster, A-S. estre, istre.]

1. A woman who spins, or whose occupation is to spin.
2. A man who spins. [Obs.]
3. (Law.) An unmarried woman; a single woman;—used in legal proceedings as a title, or addition to the surname.

If a gentlewoman is termed a spinster, she may abate the writ. Coke. 4. A woman of evil life and character;—so called from being forced to spin in the spittle, or house of correction. [Obs.] Beau. & Fl.